Mid-Day Ticker: Bin Hamman wins ban appeal, King retires and more

The Qatari official Thursday won his appeal of a lifetime ban imposed by FIFA amid allegations he bribed voters while running for president of the international body last year. The Court of Arbitration for Sport, however, did not find him innocent of corruption, instead reversing the ban because of a lack of conclusive evidence.

''It is a situation of 'case not proven,' coupled with concern on the part of the Panel that the FIFA investigation was not complete or comprehensive enough to fill the gaps in the record,'' the international high court said in a statement.

When healthy, King was one of the finest centerbacks in English soccer, amassing 21 caps and representing his country at Euro 2004 and the 2010 World Cup. The 31-year-old will stay with the club in an ambassador role.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone at the club and to the fans," King said on the club's website. "I have missed a lot of football over the years, but the Spurs fans have always been patient and incredibly supportive with me during difficult periods."

MODRIC REPORTEDLY PRICED AT NEARLY $50M

With Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric one of the summer's most sought-after transfer targets, the club is holding out for nearly $50 million in exchange for the Croatian's services, according to ESPN.

"There has been continuous interest from three different clubs," said manager Andre Villas-Boas, alluding to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. "But it's important for Tottenham to hold onto their rights. His situation will continue as it is until the price is right."

MLS, ADIDAS TEAM UP ON 'SMART LEAGUE' TECHNOLOGY

MLS and Adidas on Thursday announced the league will incorporate the Adidas miCoach Elite System in 2013, making MLS the world's first "smart league." The technology will debut Wednesday in the MLS All-Star Game in Chester, Pa.

According to the press release, the data-tracking technology will provide coaches, trainers and players with "real-time performance metrics including heart rate, speed, acceleration, distance, field position and, for the first time, power."

Just because the ban was lifted on Hammam, does not mean he needs to be given any any job with FIFA. If he is appointed to any position of authority, it confirms what everyone knows and that is that FIFA is corrupt and they don’t even try to hide it.

Hasn’t he spoken out against FIFA corruption once he was charged? I figure FIFA isn’t too happy with him. Its downright hypocritical for FIFA to punish anyone for corruption and the fact that they couldn’t even “convict” Hammam speaks to their ineptness.

It would be great if FIFA did thorough investigations of all the shadiness that goes on in the organization but thats not going to happen.